Beauty ingredient research

Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Browse the review database to understand what an ingredient is, what it does in a beauty formula, when it is useful, and when it deserves caution across skincare, haircare, bodycare, makeup, and more.

20769

Reviewed ingredients

524

Low-concern standouts

2884

Need usage caution

Showing 60 of 4,092
AllUV absorberUV filterabrasiveabsorbentacne treatmentactiveactive ingredientadhesivealkalizing agentamino acidanti-aginganti-androgenanti-cavityanti-cavity agentanti-inflammatoryanti-irritantanticariesanticavity agentantidandruffantifungalantimicrobialantioxidantantiperspirantantiplaqueastringentbarrier repairbarrier supportbarrier-repairbarrier-supportbinderbinding agentbiotechbiotechnologybond-builderbotanicalbotanical extractbotanical oilbotanical waterbrighteningbrightening agentbufferbuffering agentcell-communicating ingredientceramidechelating agentchemicalchemical intermediateclaycleansercleansingcleansing agentcolorantconditionerconditioningconditioning agentcooling agentcosmeticcosmetic additivecosmetic colorantcosmetic ingredientcosmetic pigmentcosmetic powdercosmetic-texturizercosmetic-waxcosmeticscrosslinking agentdelivery agentdelivery systemdenaturantdeodorantdeodorant agentdepigmenting agentdepilatorydepilatory agentdesensitizing agentdyedye intermediatedye precursordye-intermediateemollientemulsifierenzymeessential oilexfoliantexperimentaleyelashfermentfilm formerfilm-formerfilm-formingfilm-forming agentfirming agentfixativeflavoring agentformulationfragrancefragrance ingredientfunctional ingredientgashair carehair colorhair coloranthair conditionerhair dyehair removalhair-carehair-colorhaircarehumectantindustrialinsecticideintermediatelashlash carelash enhancerlash-and-browlip carelipidmakeupmarine extractmasking agentmicrobiomemicrobiome modulatormineralmoisturizernail carenail-careocclusiveoilopacifieropacifying agentoptical agentoral careotheroxidative dyeoxidative dye precursoroxidizing agentpH adjusterpain reliefpenetration enhancerpeptidepersonal careph adjusterpharmaceuticalpheromonepigmentplant oilplasticizerpolymerpolymer precursorprebioticprescription-drugpreservativepreservative boosterprobioticprocessing agentprocessing aidpropellantproteinpurifyingreducing agentretinoidscalp caresebum regulatorsebum-regulatorself-tannerself-tanningsensory additivesensory agentsensory modifiersiliconeskin barrierskin barrier supportskin conditionerskin conditioningskin conditioning agentskin lighteningskin protectantskin-conditioningskin-conditioning agentskin-identicalskin-identical ingredientskin-lighteningskin-lightening agentskincaresolventsoothingsoothing agentstabilizerstimulantsunscreensurfactantsyntheticsynthetic colorantsynthetic dyesynthetic resinsynthetic-coloranttexture enhancertexturizerthickenertoneruv-absorberuv-filtervasoactivevasodilatorviscosity controlviscosity controllingviscosity controlling agentvitaminwax

Antioxidant

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camellia Sasanqua Extract

Camellia Sasanqua Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin Conditioning

Camellia Seed Ferment Extract

Aspergillus/Camellia Japonica Seed Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented camellia seed extract that may offer antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Camellia Sinensis Callus Extract

CAMELLIA SINENSIS CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from tea plant cells that helps protect skin from environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camellia Sinensis Juice

CAMELLIA SINENSIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM JUICE

4.3

A gentle, antioxidant-rich juice from green tea that helps protect skin from environmental stress and soothes irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Cell Extract

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from green tea leaf cells that helps protect skin from environmental stress and soothe irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Oil

CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF OIL

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from green tea leaves that helps protect skin from environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Camphor Phytoplacenta Extract

Cinnamomum Camphora Phytoplacenta Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may not be a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camphoratus Ferment Extract

Taiwanofungus Camphoratus Ferment Extract

3.8

A mushroom ferment extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Campomanesia Seed Extract

Campomanesia Lineatifolia Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camu Camu Fruit Extract

Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract

4.3

Camu Camu Fruit Extract is a vitamin C powerhouse that helps brighten skin and fight environmental damage, but its effectiveness depends on formulation stability.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camu Camu Fruit Juice

Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Juice

4.2

Camu Camu fruit juice is a potent natural antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and supports a brighter, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camu Camu Seed Extract

Myrciaria Dubia Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cananga Leaf Cell Extract

Cananga Odorata Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Canarium Leaf Extract

Canarium Luzonicum Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Canarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles

CANARIUM LUZONICUM GUM NONVOLATILES

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived resin extract that may help soothe skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Canarium Pimela Leaf Extract

Canarium Pimela Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a calm, even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Candlenut Bark Extract

Aleurites Moluccanus Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich bark extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Canna Rhizome Extract

Canna Generalis Rhizome Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cantaloupe Callus Extract

CUCUMIS MELO CANTALUPENSIS CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while soothing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Cantaloupe Fruit Extract

Cucumis Melo Inodorus Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, water-loving fruit extract that helps hydrate skin and provides a modest dose of antioxidants, but its benefits are mild compared to more concentrated active ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Caper Flower Extract

CAPPARIS SPINOSA FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Capparis Moonii Fruit Extract

CAPPARIS MOONII FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Capryloyl Carnosine

Capryloyl Carnosine

4.0

A gentle, fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from sugar-related damage and environmental stress, making it a smart addition to anti-aging routines.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Caprylyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate

Caprylyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate

4.3

A gentle, oil-friendly vitamin C that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting of traditional L-ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Caprylyl Gallate

Caprylyl Gallate

3.8

Caprylyl Gallate is a synthetic antioxidant that helps stabilize formulas and protect skin from environmental stress, but it is less studied than natural antioxidants like vitamin C or E.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Capsicum Leaf Extract

Capsicum Annuum Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Caragana Root Extract

Caragana Sinica Root Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Caragana Sinica Flower Extract

CARAGANA SINICA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carambola Leaf Extract

Averrhoa Carambola Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Caraway Fruit Extract

CARUM CARVI FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

Caraway Fruit Extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its efficacy in skincare is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carboxyethyl Fluorene

PNA-9 CARBOXYETHYL FLUORENE

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Cardamom Seed Extract

Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract

3.8

Cardamom Seed Extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical effects is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carex Meyeriana Extract

Carex meyeriana leaf/stem extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carlina Acaulis Root Extract

CARLINA ACAULIS HAIRY ROOT CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, lab-grown root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Carnation Flower Extract

Dianthus Caryophyllus Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human studies to back dramatic claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carnation Seed Extract

Dianthus Longicalyx Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carnitine

CARNITINE

4.0

Carnitine is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more youthful appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carnitine Isomerized Linoleate

CARNITINE ISOMERIZED LINOLEATE

3.8

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that may help support the skin barrier and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Carnosic Acid

CARNOSIC ACID

4.0

A powerful rosemary-derived antioxidant that helps defend skin from pollution and UV stress, but is less studied than vitamin C or E.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carnosine

CARNOSINE

4.0

Carnosine is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from aging and environmental stress, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carob Fruit Extract

Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from carob fruit that helps soothe and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carob Seed Extract

Ceratonia Siliqua Seed Extract

4.0

Carob seed extract is a gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps soothe and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carotenoids

Carotenoids

4.0

Carotenoids are plant-derived antioxidants that help defend skin against environmental stress and may support a more even tone, but they are sensitive to light and air.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carrot Callus Culture Extract

DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown carrot extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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